Multi-use Free Standing Seating and Storage Unit

ABSTRACT

Our invention incorporates several methods or types of storage into one compact, aesthetically pleasing, easy to use unit.

CROSS REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The common problem within homes, game rooms, apartments, dorms, and other habitable spaces is the need for suitable storage and seating without large furniture or cabinetry. Typically storage for books and magazines would be allocated to a bookcase. Storage of clothing or personal items would be allocated to a large dresser or bureau. Seating is usually by method of a chair, couch, or bench. Typically seats or benches have no other function other than for seating. Children's toys and games can often take up space without a toy chest that combines other elements such as a work surface, a seat and storage. Desks are large and usually only house enough area for papers, thin books and small files.

The need exists for an item of furniture that will integrate several of these functions into one unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Our invention addresses this problem by combining multiple methods of storage and seating into one small customizable unit that can also be used to display personal memorabilia within an allocated space.

In one embodiment, the design also allows the user to remove the seat and place it on another surface while using the optional fold-out work space allocated within the storage unit.

In another embodiment, the storage unit can be used under a window while maintaining the window's functionality and usability. The top or seat can be removed to add plants or other items of display to the top cavity of the storage unit.

In another embodiment, the seat can function together with the optional fold-out workspace to create a play or coloring area for children. The display area will allow them to set-up and change toys they would like to view through a clear product such as Lexan, glass or other man-made or naturally occurring materials. This same unit will have various customizable storage options for toys, games, books and other personal items.

In another embodiment, the optional attachment to the storage unit may accommodate pool cues, bridges, racks, chalk and other billiard paraphernalia, while maintaining it's functionality for seating and storage.

In another embodiment, the optional attachment to the storage unit may accommodate fishing rods and all types of fishing gear, while maintaining it's functionality for seating and storage.

In another embodiment, the optional attachment to the storage unit may accommodate architectural or mechanical drawings and plans, while maintaining it's functionality for seating and storage.

In another embodiment, the optional attachments to the storage unit may accommodate books, magazines, newspapers and other items, while maintaining it's functionality for seating and storage.

In another embodiment, the optional attachments to the storage unit may accommodate pet or animal food and water dispensers, leashes, collars, harnesses and other related paraphernalia. While maintaining its storage functionality the seating area can be customized to each application including but not limited to the accommodation of pets, their bedding, toys or any combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the storage units can be combined, and/or any optional attachments added in any combination or configuration, the size or proportionality of any portion or totality of the unit changed, and in any type of configuration, including but not limited to adjacent, stackable or interconnected in any manner possible.

In another embodiment, this unit can be constructed of a material suitable for outdoor use for any of the above mentioned uses.

In any of the above embodiments or combination of embodiments, the seating area can be configured for use as a table or work surface and the optional attachment used to store all items either mentioned or not mentioned above which includes customizing theses areas according to preferred use or to specific use.

In any of the above embodiments or combination of embodiments, the display area or attached customized areas can include lighting of any type.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the central storage unit along with optional fold out work space.

FIG. 2 illustrates the central storage unit used as a window seat; once removed it can double as a planter or storage of other items.

FIG. 3 illustrates the central storage unit with the seat portion removed and used as workspace for children with fold out play or coloring area.

FIG. 4 illustrates close-up of a 3 dimensional display area.

FIG. 5 illustrates the central storage unit along with optional attachment for billiard paraphernalia.

FIG. 6 illustrates the central storage unit along with the optional attachment for fishing paraphernalia or gear.

FIG. 7 illustrates the central storage unit along with the optional attachment to accommodate mechanical or architectural drawings.

FIG. 8 illustrates the central storage unit along with the optional attachments for books, magazines, newspapers or other personal items.

FIG. 9 illustrates the central storage unit along with optional pet configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Our current invention is described in detail in multiple embodiments in the following descriptions with reference to the above mentioned figures. While our invention is described in reference to the best method for achieving the storage unit's objectives, it should be noted that it is intended to cover any and all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the intent, spirit and scope of the invention as described in the appended claims and equivalents as defined by the following disclosures and drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates the central storage unit along with optional fold out work space. This fold-out workspace can be stored and locked in either the up or down position and can be mounted to the central storage unit with a variety of hinges and hardware. This drawing shows an optional single drawer configuration underneath the open cavity.

FIG. 2 illustrates the central storage unit used as a window seat; once the seat is removed it can double as a planter with optional waterproof liner or storage of other items.

FIG. 3 illustrates the central storage unit with the seat portion removed and used for seating while the workspace and fold out play area is used by children for play or coloring.

FIG. 4 illustrates close-up of 3 dimensional display area, this display area is created with grooves in the box where transparent top and front panels are inserted. This display area can be made in various depths. We have included items such as resin and seashell, other items we have placed in this area include wood carvings, rope accents, wooden and metal appliques, photos, personal memorabilia, shadow box items such as miniatures of scenes of any type; these could include but are not limited to nautical, pets, wildlife, toys, sports, military, etc. This area can also include a back light for lighting up the display area and to use as a nightlight if the owner so desires.

FIG. 5 illustrates the central storage unit along with optional attachment for billiard paraphernalia and or other games and accessories.

FIG. 6 illustrates the central storage unit along with the optional attachment for fishing paraphernalia or gear. This can include single to several rod holders with varying options on the holder type but also includes a folding work area that can be used to clean fish and assemble rigging components of the fishing lines. This storage unit will be created in other styles not limiting it to indoor use, rather through alternative materials provide inclement weather and outdoor use.

FIG. 7 illustrates the central storage unit along with the optional attachment to accommodate mechanical or architectural drawings. This are can also be duplicated to both sides of the storage unit, contain 1 to several holders with no limitations on their configuration or holder types.

FIG. 8 illustrates the central storage unit along with the optional attachments for books, magazines, newspapers or other personal items. These can be configured in any type of configuration, other storage units could be added into the configuration, elongated, or custom designed to fit an individual's space requirements.

FIG. 9 illustrates the central storage unit along with optional pet configurations. It includes a leash holder, food and water bowl holders, food storage, removable bedding area, and additional storage.

While our invention consists of one or more embodiments that have been illustrated in detail, it should be noted that alterations, modifications and adaptations to these embodiments may be made without changing the spirit and scope of our invention as set forth in the following claims. 

1. We claim a storage unit comprising of; a central storage unit consisting of lid, open cavity, drawer and/or cabinet door and customizable attachments, display area, fold-down work area and/or any combination thereof, manufactured of any man made or naturally occurring material and joined using any type of joinery, fasteners, glue, adhesive or any combination thereof.
 2. We claim the lid of claim 1, wherein the lid can either be padded, non-padded, covered or non-covered, have a lip for any type of man-made or naturally occurring material to be placed and arranged in any fashion possible.
 3. We claim the open cavity of claim 1, wherein this cavity may or may not contain a customizable display area, impermeable lining, dividers, locking compartments, other such organizational devices and/or any combination thereof.
 4. We claim the drawer and or cabinet doors in claim 1, which can be configured to have both or one or the other or a combination thereof.
 5. We claim the customizable attachments in claim 1, which may include pool cue holders, fishing rod holders, book shelves, magazine racks, newspaper holders, fold down work areas, architectural/mechanical drawing holders, slide out game holders, pet bowl holders, leash and collar holders, key holders, and/or any combination thereof.
 6. We claim the customizable display area in claim 1 and claim 3, wherein the display area can be of varying size and depth, made of any man made or naturally occurring materials and/or any combination thereof. 